Reimagining The Emery Theater

As the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) has created lifelong memories for children and families for more than a century. The Taft Theatre was home to TCT’s MainStage productions for 52 years but had its challenges. TCT explored several other space options, but ultimately all roads lead back to their original performance home – The Emery Theater.

TCT raised over $50 million for the project, including Federal Historic and New Markets Tax Credits allocations.

On December 22, 2023 TCT officially purchased the Emery Theater. Construction started shortly thereafter and new life was given to the Emery, preserving its rich history while ushering in a new era.

TCT Trusted Terrex Leadership

The Emery Theater historic renovation is truly a once in a generation opportunity to take what was once considered one of the greatest theaters in the country and restoring it well beyond it’s former glory! TCT put their trust in Terrex to assemble the best team possible to manage this process and to lead one of the most complex historic renovation projects.

Moving to the Emery means:

Year-Round Programming – as opposed to just 40 days at the Taft Theatre, TCT’s previous location.

Increased Access – More school ticket subsidies and increased access to the arts for low-income students.

Economic Growth – Participation in OTR revitalization, historic preservation, and economic growth as families dine and shop in conjunction with TCT productions.

Welcoming All – Continuing an intentional focus on equity in casting and within production crews, and programming inspiring creativity and opportunity for all.

New Works – More original programming for younger children and teenagers, as well as premiere and newer works.

Advanced Stage Magic – Utilizing a state-of-the-art theatrical lift, built-in turntable, and projection mapping technology.

Once Upon a Time…

Mary Emery built the impressive and acoustically perfect Emery Theater.

Once home to legendary arts organizations, including The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, The Emery fell into a deep slumber, never to awake until its perfect match was found.

Ready For an Encore…

Over the last 56 years, the theater has fallen into disrepair. Opened in 1911 in Over-the-Rhine, this acoustically exceptional theater was once considered one of the top concert halls in the country. Sergei Rachmaninoff, Eleanor Roosevelt, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all stood on the Emery stage at various points in its history.

The Emery was also TCT’s performance home until 1969, when TCT had to relocate its mainstage productions to the Taft Theatre.

Maximum Impact

TCT purchased the Emery Theater on Central Parkway and, using 21st century technology, transform it into a unique venue impacting the more than 100,000 children and families who come to a MainStage production in downtown Cincinnati each year.

Terrex could not be more proud to have worked on restoring this legendary venue that will once again inspire children and families for generations to come.